The UN says the two sides in Libyan military have agreed to a permanent ceasefire across the war-torn North African country.
The sides came to this 'historic achievement' after mediation this week led by UN envoy for Libya Stephanie Turco Williams, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission reached what the UN called an important turning point towards peace and stability in Libya.
The two sides took part in a signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday morning.
“The road to a permanent cease-fire deal was often long and difficult, Williams said.” William also said that there was a great deal of work to be done in the coming weeks so that the commitments are implemented.
Both sides of Libya-- an UN-supported government in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities based in the east are backed by an array of local militias as well as regional and foreign powers.
Williams said she hoped that Libyans displaced due to the conflict will be able to return to their homes. Ali Abushahma, the head of the delegation and a field commander for the UN-supported administration in Tripoli said, “We hope we will change the suffering on all the territories of Libya, especially in the south. I appeal to all Libya: Be one hand.”
Libya's prized light crude oil has long-featured in the North African country's civil war. Rival militias and foreign powers have been jostling for control of Africa's largest oil reserves.
When both sides reached preliminary agreements to exchange prisoners, it was accompanied with a resumption of oil production after a months-long blockade by powerful tribes allied with army commander Khalifa Hifter.
